LOCATION: Rome, GA

Perhaps no single person had a greater effect on the Cherokee Nation prior to 1838 than Major Ridge. He was a warrior, council member, tribal leader, and the most prominent of those who signed the Treaty of New Echota, which precipitated the Trail of Tears.

Chieftains Museum is the opulent home of Major Ridge, who lived here while managing his vast wealth, including a ferry, plantation, and general store.

This home is one of the finest built in North Georgia before the Civil War. Vice president of the Confederacy Alexander Stephens spent the night here on more than one occasion.

Highlight: The cutaway that exposes the original house

Time: Allow an hour and a half for your visit

Next stop clockwise:	New Echota State Park	Calhoun
Next stop counter-clockwise:	Etowah Indian Mounds	Cartersville